A self-adhering sealing device with an adhesive layer arrangement

ABSTRACT

A sealing device including a waterproofing membrane, a sealant layer covering a portion of the second primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane, and an adhesive layer covering a portion of the second primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane, wherein the sealant layer is composed of an adhesive sealant composition comprising 1-40 wt.-% of at least one elastomer, 10-60 wt.-% of at least one at 25° C. liquid polyolefin resin, and 5-65 wt.-% of at least one inert mineral filler. Further, a method for producing a sealing device, to a method for waterproofing a substrate, and to a waterproofed substrate.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the field of waterproofing of underground andabove ground building constructions by using self-adhering sealingdevices. In particular, the invention relates to self-adheringwaterproofing membranes, which can be used for providing fully adheredwaterproofing and roof systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of construction polymeric sheets, which are often referredto as waterproofing or roofing membranes, are used to protectunderground and above ground constructions, such as basements, tunnels,and flat and low-sloped roofs, against penetration water. Waterproofingmembranes are applied, for example, to prevent ingress of water throughcracks that develop in the concrete structure due to buildingsettlement, load deflection or concrete shrinkage. Roofing membranesused for waterproofing of flat and low-sloped roof structures can beprovided as single-ply or multi-ply membrane systems. In a single-plysystem, the roof substrate is covered using a roofing membrane composedof a single waterproofing layer, which is typically reinforced with areinforcement layer, such as a layer of fiber material. In multi-plysystems, a roofing membrane composed of multiple waterproofing layers ofdifferent or similar materials are used. Single-ply membranes have theadvantage of lower production costs compared to the multi-ply membranesbut they are also less resistant to mechanical damages cause bypunctures of sharp objects.

Commonly used materials for waterproofing and roofing membranes includeplastics, in particular thermoplastics such as plasticizedpolyvinylchloride (p-PVC), thermoplastic olefins (TPE-O, TPO), andelastomers such as ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM). Themembranes are typically delivered to a construction site in rolls,transferred to the place of installation, unrolled, and adhered to thesubstrate to be waterproofed. The substrate on which the membrane isadhered may be comprised of variety of materials depending on theinstallation site. The substrate may be, for example, a concrete, metal,or wood deck, or it may include an insulation board or recover boardand/or an existing membrane.

In roofing applications, the waterproofing membranes must be securelyfastened to the roof substrate to provide sufficient mechanical strengthto resist the shearing forces applied on it due to high wind loads. Roofsystems are typically divided into two categories depending on the meansused for fastening the roofing membrane to roof substrate. In amechanically attached roof system, the roofing membrane is fastened tothe roof substrate by using screws and/or barbed plates. Mechanicalfastening enables high strength bonding but it provides directattachment to the roof substrate only at locations where a mechanicalfastener affixes the membrane to the surface, which makes mechanicallyattached membranes susceptible to flutter. In fully-adhered roof systemsthe membrane is typically adhered to the roof substrate indirectly byusing an adhesive composition.

Waterproofing and roofing membranes can be adhesively adhered to varioussubstrates by using a number of techniques such as by contact bonding orby using self-adhering membranes. In contact bonding both the membraneand the surface of the substrate are first coated with a solvent orwater based contact adhesive after which the membrane is contacted withthe surface of the substrate. The volatile components of the contactadhesive are “flashed off” to provide a partially dried adhesive filmprior to contacting the membrane with the substrate. A fully-adheredroofing system can also be prepared by using self-adhering membranescomprising a pre-applied layer of adhesive composition coated on thesurface of the membrane. Typically the pre-applied adhesive layer iscovered with a release liner to prevent premature unwanted adhesion andto protect the adhesive layer from moisture, fouling, and otherenvironmental factors. At the time of use the release liner is removedand the membrane is secured to the substrate without using additionaladhesives. Self-adhering membranes having a pre-applied adhesive layercovered by release liner are also known as “peel and stick membranes”.

In order to create a continuous waterproofing seal, the edges ofadjacent membranes are overlapped to form sealable joints. These jointscan then be sealed by bonding the bottom surface an overlapping edge tothe top surface of another overlapping edge or by using sealing tapesbridging the gap between top surfaces of both overlapping edges. Thetechnique for bonding the overlapping surfaces of the adjacent membranesdepends on the materials used in the membranes. In case of membranescomposed of thermoplastic or non-crosslinked elastomeric materials, theoverlapping portions of adjacent membranes can be bonded to each otherby heat-welding. In case of self-adhering membranes, an area near thelengthwise edges of the membrane is typically left free of adhesive inorder to enable joining of the overlapping edges by heat-welding. Theoverlapping portions can also be bonded to each other by using anadhesive, which can be same or different than the adhesive as used forbonding the membrane to the substrate.

The State-of-the-Art self-adhering waterproofing and roofing membranestypically include a fiber-based separation layer between thewaterproofing layer and the adhesive layer to ensure sufficientmechanical stability and long term compatibility of the adhesive and thewaterproofing layer. The presence of the additional separation layerincreases the production costs of the membrane. Furthermore, the seamsbetween overlapping edges of adjacent membranes are typically sealed byheat-welding or by using special sealing tapes, both of which increasethe installation time and eventually the costs of installation.

There thus remains a need for a self-adhering sealing device, which canbe produced at lower cost than the State-of-the-Art self-adheringwaterproofing and roofing membranes and which enables providingfully-adhered waterproofing and roofing systems with decreased cost andreduced installation time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a self-adheringsealing device, which can be used for sealing underground and aboveground constructions against penetration of water.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-adheringsealing device, which can be used for providing fully-adheredwaterproofing and roof systems, in which the seams between overlappingedges of adjacent membranes are adhesively bonded to each other.

The subject of the present invention is a sealing device as defined inclaim 1.

It was surprisingly found out that a sealing device comprising awaterproofing membrane having first and second primary exteriorsurfaces, a sealant layer covering a portion of the second primaryexterior surfaces of the waterproofing membrane, and an adhesive layercovering a portion of the of the second primary exterior surfaces of thewaterproofing membrane is able to solve or at least mitigate theproblems of the State-of-the-Art self-adhering membranes.

One of the advantages of the sealing device of the present invention isthat it enables providing fully-adhered waterproofing and roof systemswith lower production and installation costs compared to theState-of-the-Art solutions.

Another advantage of the sealing device of the present invention is thatenables providing fully adhered waterproofing and roof systems, in whichthe seams between overlapping edges of adjacent sealing devices areadhesively bonded to each other using the same adhesive as that used forbonding of the sealing device to the surface of the substrate.

Other aspects of the present invention are presented in otherindependent claims. Preferred aspects of the invention are presented inthe dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a sealing device (1) comprising awaterproofing membrane (2) having first and second primary exteriorsurfaces and a width (w) defined between opposite longitudinallyextending edges (e1, e2), a sealant layer (3) and an adhesive layercovering portions of the second primary exterior surface of thewaterproofing membrane (2). The second primary exterior surface of thewaterproofing layer (2) comprises three continuous, longitudinallyextending segments (5, 6, 7) each of which is covered either with thesealant layer (3) or with the adhesive (4).

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a sealing device (1) comprising awaterproofing membrane (2) having first and second primary exteriorsurfaces and a width (w) defined between opposite longitudinallyextending edges (e1, e2), wherein the second primary exterior surface ofthe waterproofing membrane (2) comprises five continuous, longitudinallyextending segments (3, 3′, 4, 4′, 5) each of which is covered eitherwith the sealant layer (3) or with the adhesive (4).

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a sealing device (1), wherein the secondprimary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane (2) comprisesthree continuous, longitudinally extending segments, which are coveredwith the sealant layer (3) and two continuous, longitudinally extendingsegments, which are covered with adhesive layer (4).

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a sealing device (1) according to afurther embodiment of the sealing device of FIG. 3. In this embodiment,the sealing device (1) further comprises a release liner (8) coveringsubstantially the entire area of the outer major surface of the sealantlayer (3) and substantially the entire area of the outer major surfaceof the adhesive layer (4).

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of a sealing device (1) according to afurther embodiment of the sealing device of FIG. 4. In this embodiment,the waterproofing membrane (2) is composed of a waterproofing layer (9)having first and second major surfaces and a layer of fiber material(10) covering substantially the entire area of the second major surfaceof the waterproofing layer (2).

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of a waterproofed substrate comprising asubstrate (11) and sealing device (1) of FIG. 5, wherein substantiallythe entire area of the second primary exterior surface of thewaterproofing membrane (2) is bonded to a surface of the substrate viathe sealant layer (3) or via the adhesive layer (4).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject of the present invention is a sealing device (1), inparticular a self-adhering sealing device comprising:

i. A waterproofing membrane (2) having a first and second primaryexterior surfaces and width (w) defined between opposite longitudinallyextending edges (e1, e2),

ii. A sealant layer (3) covering a portion of the second primaryexterior surface of the waterproofing membrane (2), and

iii. An adhesive layer (4) covering a portion of the second primaryexterior surface of the waterproofing membrane (2), wherein the sealantlayer (3) is composed of an adhesive sealant composition comprising:

a) 1-40 wt.-% of at least one elastomer,

b) 10-60 wt.-% of at least one at 25° C. liquid polyolefin resin, and

c) 5-65 wt.-% of at least one inert mineral filler, all proportionsbeing based on the total weight of the adhesive sealant composition.

Substance names beginning with “poly” designate substances whichformally contain, per molecule, two or more of the functional groupsoccurring in their names. For instance, a polyol refers to a compoundhaving at least two hydroxyl groups. A polyether refers to a compoundhaving at least two ether groups.

The term “polymer” designates a collective of chemically uniformmacromolecules produced by a polyreaction (polymerization, polyaddition,polycondensation) where the macromolecules differ with respect to theirdegree of polymerization, molecular weight and chain length. The termalso comprises derivatives of said collective of macromoleculesresulting from polyreactions, that is, compounds which are obtained byreactions such as, for example, additions or substitutions, offunctional groups in predetermined macromolecules and which may bechemically uniform or chemically non-uniform.

The term “elastomer” refers to any polymer or combination of polymers,which is capable of recovering from large deformations. Typicalelastomers are capable of being elongated or deformed to at least 200%of their original dimension under an externally applied force, and willsubstantially resume the original dimensions, sustaining only smallpermanent set (typically no more than about 20%), after the externalforce is released. As used herein, the term “elastomer” may be usedinterchangeably with the term “rubber.” In particular, the term“elastomer” refers to elastomers that are not chemically crosslinked.The term “chemically crosslinked” is understood to mean that the polymerchains forming the elastomer are inter-connected by a plurality ofcovalent bonds, which are stable mechanically and thermally.

The term “(meth)acrylic” designates methacrylic or acrylic. Accordingly,(meth)acryloyl designates methacryloyl or acryloyl. A (meth)acryloylgroup is also known as (meth)acryl group. A (meth)acrylic compound canhave one or more (meth)acryl groups, such as mono- di-, tri- etc.functional (meth)acrylic compounds.

The term “molecular weight” refers to the molar mass (g/mol) of amolecule or a part of a molecule, also referred to as “moiety”. The term“average molecular weight” refers to number average molecular weight(M_(n)) of an oligomeric or polymeric mixture of molecules or moieties.The molecular weight may be determined by gel permeation chromatography.

The term “softening point” refers to a temperature at which compoundsoftens in a rubber-like state, or a temperature at which thecrystalline portion within the compound melts. The softening point canbe determined by ring and ball measurement conducted according to DIN EN1238 standard.

The term “melting temperature” refers to a crystalline melting point(T_(m)) as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) byusing the method as defined in ISO 11357 standard using a heating rateof 2° C./min. The measurements can be performed with a Mettler ToledoDSC 3+ device and the T_(g) values can be determined from the measuredDSC-curve with the help of the DSC-software.

The term “glass transition temperature” (T_(g)) designates thetemperature above which temperature a polymer component becomes soft andpliable, and below which it becomes hard and glassy. The glasstransition temperature can be determined by differential scanningcalorimetry method (DSC) according to ISO 11357 standard using a heatingrate of 2° C./min. The measurements can be performed with a MettlerToledo DSC 3+ device and the T_(g) values can be determined from themeasured DSC-curve with the help of the DSC-software.

The “amount or content of at least one component X” in a composition,for example “the amount of the at least one thermoplastic polymer”refers to the sum of the individual amounts of all thermoplasticpolymers contained in the composition. Furthermore, in case thecomposition comprises 20 wt.-% of at least one thermoplastic polymer,the sum of the amounts of all thermoplastic polymers contained in thecomposition equals 20 wt.-%.

The term “room temperature” designates a temperature of 23° C.

The waterproofing membrane is preferably a sheet-like element havingfirst and second primary exterior surfaces, a width (w) defined betweenlongitudinally extending edges (e1, e2), and a thickness defined betweenthe primary exterior surfaces. The term “sheet-like element” refers inthe present disclosure an element having a length and width at least 5times, preferably at least 25 times, more preferably at least 50 timesgreater than the thickness of the element. The waterproofing membranecan be composed of a single layer or of multiple layers of similar ordifferent materials having different resistance to penetration of liquidwater and/or humidity.

There are no particular limitations for the width and length of thesealing device and the waterproofing membrane and these depend on theintended use of the sealing device. For example, the sealing device canbe provided in form of a narrow strip having a width, for example, inthe range of 10-500 mm, such as 50-350 mm, in particular 75-250 mm.These types of sealing devices are suitable for use, for example, assealing tapes. Furthermore, the sealing device can also be provided inform of a membrane having a width, for example, in the range of750-3,000 mm, such as 1,000-2,500 mm, in particular 1,000-2,000 mm.These types of sealing devices are suitable for use, for example, asroofing membranes.

The term “primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane” refersto the outermost surfaces of the waterproofing membrane. For example, incase the waterproofing membrane is a fiber layer-backed membranecomposed of a waterproofing layer having first and second major surfacesand a layer of fiber material adhered on the second major surface of thewaterproofing layer, the first major surface of the waterproofing layerconstitutes the first primary exterior surface and the outer majorsurface of the layer of fiber material facing away from thewaterproofing layer forms the second primary exterior surface of thewaterproofing membrane. The term “longitudinally extending edges” refersin the present disclosure to the edges, which extend in the lengthwisedirection of a sheet-like element.

The term “outer major surface of the sealant layer” refers in thepresent disclosure the major surface of the sealant layer, which facesaway from the second primary exterior surface of the waterproofingmembrane. The term “major surface of a layer” refers to the top andbottom surfaces of the layer defining the thickness of the layer therebetween. Furthermore, the term “outer major surface of the adhesivelayer” refers in the present disclosure to the major surface of theadhesive layer, which faces away from the second primary exteriorsurface of the waterproofing membrane.

The sealant layer is preferably coated directly on the second primaryexterior surface of the waterproofing membrane, i.e. the sealant layerand the waterproofing membrane are preferably directly connected to eachother over their opposing surfaces. The expression “directly connected”is understood to mean in the context of the present invention that nofurther layer or substance is present between the layers and that theopposing surfaces of the layers are directly bonded to each other oradhere to each other. At the transition area between the two layers, thematerials of the layers can also be present mixed with each other.Furthermore, the adhesive layer is preferably coated directly on thesecond primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane, i.e. theadhesive layer and the waterproofing membrane are preferably directlyconnected to each other over their opposing surfaces.

According to one or more embodiments, the second primary exteriorsurface of the waterproofing membrane comprises at least three,preferably at least five continuous, longitudinally extending segments,wherein at least one of said segments is covered with the sealant layerand wherein at least one of said segments is covered with the adhesivelayer. By the expression “longitudinally extending segment” is meantthat the segments extend in the longitudinal direction of thewaterproofing membrane. By the expression “continuous segment” is meantthat each segment covers an area, which extends continuously from oneperipheral edge of the waterproofing membrane to the other oppositeperipheral edge.

According to one or more embodiments, the segments are parallel to eachother and/or each segment is covered either with the sealant layer orwith the adhesive layer.

According to one or more embodiments, the segments are adjacent to eachother. By the expression “adjacent to each other” is meant that thereare no free spaces between the segments. In these embodiments it ispreferred that the sealant layer and the adhesive layer together form acontinuous layer of material, which covers at least a portion of thesecond primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane.

Preferably, the sealant layer and the adhesive layer together cover atleast 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 85%, of thesecond primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane. Accordingto one or more embodiments, the sealant layer and the adhesive layertogether cover substantially the entire area of the second primaryexterior surface of the waterproofing membrane. The term “substantiallyentire area” is understood to mean at least 90%, preferably at least95%, more preferably at least 97.5% of the area. Furthermore, it may bepreferable, for example due to production technical reasons, that narrowsegments near the longitudinal edges (e1, e2) of the waterproofingmembrane and having a width of 1-2 mm are not covered with either of thesealant layer or the adhesive layer.

According to one or more embodiments, at least the first and the lastcontinuous, longitudinally extending segments limited by thelongitudinal edges of the waterproofing membrane are covered with thesealant layer. This embodiment of the sealing device has the advantageof improved resistance against lateral water flow since the outermostsegments limited by the longitudinal edges of the waterproofing membraneare covered with the sealant layer, which provides an effective barrieragainst penetration of water. This is especially advantageous in casethe sealing devices of the present invention are used in preparing fullyadhered roof systems with adhesively bonded seams. In such roof systems,the edges of adjacent waterproofing membranes are overlapped to formsealable joints. The sealant layer covering the outermost segments ofthe waterproofing membrane is able to bond the overlapping portions toeach other as well as to ensure water tightness of the joint.

It is furthermore preferred that adjacent segments are coated with adifferent type of layer. Preferable, any two continuous, longitudinallyextending segments on each side of a continuous, longitudinallyextending segment covered with the adhesive layer are covered with thesealant layer.

The continuous, longitudinally extending segments can have same ordifferent widths. Preferably, the width of the segments remains constantin the longitudinal direction of the sealing device. Preferably, eachcontinuous, longitudinally extending segment has a width correspondingto at least 1.5%, more preferably at least 2.5%, even more preferably atleast 5% of the total width (w) of the waterproofing membrane. Accordingto one or more embodiments, each continuous, longitudinally extendingsegment has a width corresponding to 1.5-30%, preferably 2.5-25%, morepreferably 5-20% of the total width (w) of the waterproofing membrane

According to one or more embodiments, the sealant layer alone covers15-75%, preferably 35-65% of the second primary exterior surface of thewaterproofing membrane (2) and/or the adhesive layer alone covers15-75%, preferably 25-65% of the second primary exterior surface of thewaterproofing membrane (2).

The thickness of the sealant layer and adhesive layer are notparticularly restricted. Generally, the thickness of these layers shouldbe high enough to provide the sealing device with sufficient peelstrength from surfaces of typical waterproofing and roofing substrates.According to one or more embodiments, the sealant layer has a maximumthickness, determined by using the measurement method as defined in DINEN 1849-2 standard, of 0.1-5.0 mm, preferably 0.5-3.0 mm. According toone or more embodiments, the adhesive layer has a maximum thickness,determined by using the measurement method as defined in DIN EN 1849-2standard, of 0.1-5.0 mm, preferably 0.5-3.0 mm.

In case the sealant layer covers more than one of the continuous,longitudinally extending segments of the second primary exterior surfaceof the waterproofing membrane, the individual layers covering thesesegments may preferably have substantially the same thickness.Furthermore, in case the adhesive layer covers more than one of thecontinuous, longitudinally extending segments of the second primaryexterior surface of the waterproofing membrane, the individual layerscovering these segments may preferably have substantially the samethickness. The expression “substantially same thickness” is understoodto mean that the difference in thicknesses of two layers covering anytwo segments of the second primary exterior surface of the waterproofingmembrane is not more than 25%, more preferably not more than 15%, evenmore preferably not more than 10%, most preferably not more than 5%.

According to one or more embodiments, the sealing device furthercomprises a release liner covering at least a portion of the outer majorsurface of the sealant layer and/or at least a portion of the outermajor surface of the adhesive layer.

The release liner may be used to prevent premature unwanted adhesion andto protect the exterior surface of the sealing device from moisture,fouling, and other environmental factors. In case the sealing device isprovided in form of rolls, the release liner enables ease of unwindwithout sticking of the sealant layer and/or the adhesive layer to theback side of the sealing device. The release liner may be sliced intomultiple sections to allow portioned detachment of the liner from theexterior surface of the sealing device.

Suitable materials for the release liner include Kraft paper,polyethylene coated paper, silicone coated paper as well as polymericfilms, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester filmscoated with polymeric release agents selected from silicone, siliconeurea, urethanes, waxes, and long chain alkyl acrylate release agents.

The adhesive sealant composition used in the present inventioncomprises:

a) 1-40 wt.-% of at least one elastomer,

b) 10-60 wt.-% of at least one at 25° C. liquid polyolefin resin, and

c) 5-65 wt.-% of at least one inert mineral filler, all proportionsbeing based on the total weight of the adhesive sealant composition.

The type of the at least one elastomer contained in the adhesive sealantcomposition is not particularly restricted. The at least one elastomermay be selected from the group consisting of ethylene-propylene rubber(EPR), butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene dienemonomer rubber (EPDM), natural rubber, chloroprene rubber, synthetic1,4-cis-polyisoprene, polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene copolymer,isoprene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, methylmethacrylate-butadiene copolymer, methyl methacrylate-isoprenecopolymer, acrylonitrile-isoprene copolymer, and acrylonitrile-butadienecopolymer. Term “ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR)” designates in thepresent disclosure elastomeric copolymers of ethylene and propylenewhereas the term “ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber refersto elastomeric terpolymers comprising 15-70 wt.-%, preferably 20-45wt.-% of propylene, 20-80 wt.-% of ethylene, and 2-15 wt.-% of a diene,for example, 1,4-hexadiene, norbornadiene, ethylidene-norbornene,dicyclopentadiene, butadiene, or isoprene.

According to one or more embodiments, the at least one elastomer isselected from the group consisting of ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR),butyl rubber, synthetic 1,4-cis-polyisoprene, polybutadiene,styrene-butadiene copolymer, isoprene-butadiene copolymer,styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, methyl methacrylate-butadienecopolymer, methyl methacrylate-isoprene copolymer,acrylonitrile-isoprene copolymer, and acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer,preferably from the group consisting of ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR),butyl rubber, synthetic 1,4-cis-polyisoprene, polybutadiene,styrene-butadiene copolymer, isoprene-butadiene copolymer, andstyrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, more preferably from the groupconsisting of ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), butyl rubber, synthetic1,4-cis-polyisoprene, and polybutadiene.

It is furthermore preferred that the at least one elastomer is notchemically crosslinked.

According to one or more embodiments, the at least one elastomer ispresent in the adhesive sealant composition in an amount of 5-40 wt.-%,preferably 7.5-35 wt.-%, more preferably 10-30 wt.-%, even morepreferably 10-25 wt.-%, still more preferably 10-22.5 wt.-%, based onthe total weight of the adhesive sealant composition.

According to one or more embodiments, the at least one at 25° C. liquidpolyolefin resins is selected from the group consisting of at 25° C.liquid polybutene and polyisobutylene. The term “at 25° C. liquidpolybutene” refers in the present document to low molecular weightolefin oligomers comprising isobutylene and/or 1-butene and/or 2-butene.The ratio of the C₄-olefin isomers can vary by manufacturer and bygrade. When the C4-olefin is exclusively 1-butene, the material isreferred to as “poly-n-butene” or “PNB”. The term “at 25° C. liquidpolyisobutylene” refers in the present document to low molecular weightpolyolefins and olefin oligomers of isobutylene, preferably containingat least 75%, more preferably at least 85% of repeat units derived fromisobutylene. Suitable at 25° C. liquid polybutene and polyisobutylenehave an average molecular weight (M_(n)) of less than 15,000 g/mol,preferably less than 5,000 g/mol, more preferably less than 3,000 g/mol,still more preferably less than 2,500 g/mol, even more preferably lessthan 1,000 g/mol.

Suitable commercially available at 25° C. liquid polybutenes andpolyisobutylenes include, for example, Indopol® H-300 and Indopol®H-1200 (from Ineos); Glissopal® V230, Glissopal® V500, and Glissopal®V700 (from BASF); Dynapak® poly 230 (from Univar GmbH, Germany); andDaelim® PB 950 (from Daelim Industrial).

According to one or more embodiments, the at least one at 25° C. liquidpolyolefin resin is selected from the group consisting of at 25° C.liquid polybutenes and at 25° C. liquid polyisobutylenes, preferablyhaving an average molecular weight (M_(n)) of not more than 5,000 g/mol,more preferably not more than 3,000 g/mol, even more preferably not morethan 2,500 g/mol and/or a polydispersity index (M_(w)/M_(n)), determinedby GPC, of not more than 5, preferably in the range of 0.5-5.0, morepreferably 1.0-4.5, even more preferably 1.0-3.5, still more preferably1.25-3.0.

According to one or more embodiments, the at least one at 25° C. liquidpolyolefin resin is at 25° C. liquid polybutene, preferably having anaverage molecular weight (M_(n)) of not more than 5,000 g/mol, morepreferably not more than 2,500 g/mol, even more preferably not more than2,000 g/mol, still more preferably not more than 1,500 g/mol and/or apolydispersity index (M_(w)/M_(n)), determined by GPC, of not more than5, preferably in the range of 0.5-5.0, more preferably 1.0-4.5, evenmore preferably 1.0-3.5, still more preferably 1.25-2.5.

According to one or more embodiments, the at least one at 25° C. liquidpolyolefin resin is at 25° C. liquid polyisobutylene, preferablycontaining at least 75 wt.-%, more preferably at least wt.-85% of repeatunits derived from isobutylene, based on the weight of the at least onepolyisobutylene, and preferably having an average molecular weight(M_(n)) of not more than 5,000 g/mol, more preferably not more than3,000 g/mol, even more preferably not more than 2,750 g/mol and/or apolydispersity index (M_(w)/M_(n)), determined by GPC, of not more than5, preferably in the range of 0.5-5.0, more preferably 1.0-4.5, evenmore preferably 1.0-3.5, still more preferably 1.25-2.5.

According to one or more embodiments, the at least one at 25° C. liquidpolyolefin resin is present in the adhesive sealant composition in anamount of 5-55 wt.-%, preferably 10-55 wt.-%, more preferably 15-55wt.-%, even more preferably 20-50 wt.-%, still more preferably 25-45wt.-%, such as 30-45 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the adhesivesealant composition.

The term “inert mineral filler” designates in the present documentmineral fillers, which, unlike mineral binders do not undergo ahydration reaction in the presence of water. Preferably the at least oneinert mineral filler is selected from the group consisting of sand,granite, calcium carbonate, clay, expanded clay, diatomaceous earth,pumice, mica, kaolin, talc, dolomite, xonotlite, perlite, vermiculite,Wollastonite, barite, magnesium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, calciumaluminates, silica, fumed silica, fused silica, aerogels, glass beads,hollow glass spheres, ceramic spheres, bauxite, comminuted concrete, andzeolites.

The term “sand” refers in the present document to mineral clasticsediments (clastic rocks) which are loose conglomerates (loosesediments) of round or angular small grains, which were detached fromthe original grain structure during the mechanical and chemicaldegradation and transported to their deposition point, said sedimentshaving an SiO₂ content of greater than 50 wt.-%, in particular greaterthan 75 wt.-%, particularly preferably greater than 85 wt.-%. The term“calcium carbonate” as inert mineral filler refers in the presentdocument to calcitic fillers produced from chalk, limestone or marble bygrinding and/or precipitation.

According to one or more embodiments, the at least one inert mineralfiller is present in the adhesive sealant composition in an amount of10-75 wt.-%, preferably 10-70 wt.-%, more preferably 10-60 wt.-%, evenmore preferably 20-60 wt.-%, still more preferably 30-55 wt.-%, inparticular 35-55 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the adhesivesealant composition. According to one or more further embodiments, theat least one inert mineral filler is present in the adhesive sealantcomposition in an amount of 25-80 wt.-%, preferably 30-75 wt.-%, morepreferably 35-75 wt.-%, even more preferably 40-75 wt.-%, still morepreferably 40-75 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the adhesivesealant composition.

According to one or more embodiment, the adhesive sealant compositioncomprises less than 20 wt.-%, more preferably less than 15 wt.-%, evenmore preferably less than 10 wt.-%, still more preferably less than 5wt.-%, most preferably less than 2.5 wt.-% of water-swellable mineralfillers, based on the total weight of the adhesive sealant composition.

The term “water-swellable mineral filler” refers in the presentdisclosure to mineral fillers that are capable of swelling upon contactwith water, i.e. mineral fillers that swell in the presence of water.Examples of water-swellable mineral fillers include, in particular,water-swellable clays, such as montmorillonite clays, for examplecalcium montmorillonite, sodium montmorillonite, calcium bentonite, andsodium bentonite.

Clays in general are layered hydrous aluminum phyllosilicates containinga crystal structure consisting of Al—OH or Fe—OH or Mg-OH octahedrallayer, sandwiched between two Si—O tetrahedral sheets, and exchangeableinterlayer cations. The nature of the exchangeable interlayer cationsdetermines the characteristics of the clay. In case of a water-swellableclay, the exchangeable cations are hydratable upon contacting the claywith water. When the exchangeable cations are hydrated and watermolecules are able to enter the space between the structure layers, thedistance and volume between the two layers increases leading to swellingof the clay.

According to one or more embodiments, the adhesive sealant compositioncomprises less than 20 wt.-%, preferably less than 15 wt.-%, morepreferably less than 10 wt.-%, even more preferably less than 5 wt.-%,still more preferably less than 2.5 wt.-% of montmorillonite claysselected from the group consisting of calcium bentonite, and sodiumbentonite, based on the total weight of the adhesive sealantcomposition. According to one or more further embodiments, the adhesivesealant composition comprises less than 20 wt.-%, preferably less than15 wt.-%, more preferably less than 10 wt.-%, even more preferably lessthan 5 wt.-%, still more preferably less than 2.5 wt.-% ofmontmorillonite clays selected from the group consisting of calciummontmorillonite, sodium montmorillonite, calcium bentonite, and sodiumbentonite, based on the total weight of the adhesive sealantcomposition.

According to one or more further embodiments, the adhesive sealantcomposition is essentially free of water-swellable clays. The term“essentially free” is understood to mean that the amount ofwater-swellable clays is not more than 2.5 wt.-%, preferably not morethan 1.5 wt.-%, more preferably not more than 1.0 wt.-%, even morepreferably not more than 0.5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of theadhesive sealant composition. According to one or more embodiments, theadhesive sealant composition is essentially free of montmorilloniteclays selected from the group consisting of calcium bentonite, andsodium bentonite, preferably selected from the group consisting ofcalcium montmorillonite, sodium montmorillonite, calcium bentonite, andsodium bentonite.

According to one or more embodiments, the adhesive sealant compositionfurther comprises at least one at 25° C. solid hydrocarbon resin.Suitable hydrocarbon resins to be used in the adhesive sealantcomposition include synthetic resins, natural resins, and chemicallymodified natural resins. According to one or more embodiments, the atleast one at 25° C. solid hydrocarbon resin has a softening pointmeasured by Ring and Ball method according to DIN EN 1238 in the rangeof 65-200° C., preferably 75-160° C., more preferably 75-150° C., evenmore preferably 85-140° C. and/or a glass transition temperature (T_(g))determined by differential scanning calorimetry method (DSC) accordingto ISO 11357 standard using a heating rate of 2° C./min of at or above0° C., more preferably at or above 15° C., even more preferably at orabove 30° C., still more preferably at or above 45° C.

It may be preferable that the at least one at 25° C. solid hydrocarbonresin is present in the adhesive sealant composition in an amount of notmore than 40 wt.-%, more preferably not more than 30 wt.-%, based on thetotal weight of the adhesive sealant composition. According to one ormore embodiments, the at least one at 25° C. solid hydrocarbon resin ispresent in the adhesive sealant composition in an amount of 0.5-30wt.-%, preferably 1-25 wt.-%, more preferably 1.5-22.5 wt.-%, even morepreferably 2.5-20 wt.-%, still more preferably 2.5-15 wt.-%, such as1-10 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the adhesive sealantcomposition.

Examples of suitable natural resins and chemically modified naturalresins include rosins, rosin esters, phenolic modified rosin esters, andterpene resins. The term “rosin” is to be understood to include gumrosin, wood rosin, tall oil rosin, distilled rosin, and modified rosins,for example dimerized, hydrogenated, maleated and/or polymerizedversions of any of these rosins.

Suitable terpene resins include copolymers and terpolymers of naturalterpenes, such as styrene/terpene and alpha methyl styrene/terpeneresins; polyterpene resins obtainable from the polymerization of terpenehydrocarbons, such as the bicyclic monoterpene known as pinene, in thepresence of Friedel-Crafts catalysts at moderately low temperatures;hydrogenated polyterpene resins; and phenolic modified terpene resinsincluding hydrogenated derivatives thereof.

The term “synthetic resin” refers in the present document to compoundsobtained from the controlled chemical reactions such as polyaddition orpolycondensation between well-defined reactants that do not themselveshave the characteristic of resins. Monomers that may be polymerized tosynthesize the synthetic resins may include aliphatic monomer,cycloaliphatic monomer, aromatic monomer, or mixtures thereof. Aliphaticmonomers can include C₄, C₅, and C₆ paraffins, olefins, and conjugateddiolefins. Examples of aliphatic monomers or cycloaliphatic monomersinclude butadiene, isobutylene, 1,3-pentadiene, 1,4-pentadiene,cyclopentane, 1-pentene, 2-pentene, 2-methyl-1-pentene,2-methyl-2-butene, 2-methyl-2-pentene, isoprene, cyclohexane,1-3-hexadiene, 1-4-hexadiene, cyclopentadiene, and dicyclopentadiene.Aromatic monomers can include C₈, C₉, and C₁₀ aromatic monomer, such asstyrene, indene, derivatives of styrene, derivatives of indene,coumarone and combinations thereof.

In particular, suitable synthetic resins include synthetic hydrocarbonresins made by polymerizing mixtures of unsaturated monomers that areobtained as by-products of cracking of natural gas liquids, gas oil, orpetroleum naphthas. Synthetic hydrocarbon resins obtained from petroleumbased feedstocks are referred in the present document as “petroleumhydrocarbon resins”. These include also pure monomer aromatic resins,which are made by polymerizing aromatic monomer feedstocks that havebeen purified to eliminate color causing contaminants and to preciselycontrol the composition of the product. Petroleum hydrocarbon resinstypically have a relatively low average molecular weight (M_(n)), suchin the range of 250-5,000 g/mol and a glass transition temperature(T_(g)) of above 0° C., preferably equal to or higher than 15° C., morepreferably equal to or higher than 30° C.

It may be preferable that the at least one at 25° C. solid hydrocarbonresin is selected from the group consisting of C5 aliphatic petroleumhydrocarbon resins, mixed C5/C9 aliphatic/aromatic petroleum hydrocarbonresins, aromatic modified C5 aliphatic petroleum hydrocarbon resins,cycloaliphatic petroleum hydrocarbon resins, mixed C5aliphatic/cycloaliphatic petroleum hydrocarbon resins, mixed C9aromatic/cycloaliphatic petroleum hydrocarbon resins, mixed C5aliphatic/cycloaliphatic/C9 aromatic petroleum hydrocarbon resins,aromatic modified cycloaliphatic petroleum hydrocarbon resins, and C9aromatic petroleum hydrocarbon resins as well hydrogenated versions ofthe aforementioned resins. The notations “C5” and “09” indicate that themonomers from which the resins are made are predominantly hydrocarbonshaving 4-6 and 8-10 carbon atoms, respectively. The term “hydrogenated”includes fully, substantially and at least partially hydrogenatedresins. Partially hydrogenated resins may have a hydrogenation level,for example, of 50%, 70%, or 90%. According to one or more embodiments,the at least one at 25° C. solid hydrocarbon resin is an aliphatic C5/C9petroleum hydrocarbon resin.

According to one or more embodiments, the adhesive sealant compositioncomprises:

a) 10-30 wt.-%, preferably 10-25 wt.-% of the at least one elastomer,

b) 25-45 wt.-%, preferably 30-45 wt.-% of the at least one at 25° C.liquid polyolefin resin,

c) 30-55 wt.-%, preferably 35-55 wt.-% of the at least one inert mineralfiller, all proportions being based on the total weight of the adhesivesealant composition.

The adhesive sealant composition may further comprise one or moreauxiliary additives selected from UV absorbers, UV stabilizers, heatstabilizers, antioxidants, flame retardants, optical brighteners,pigments, dyes, and biocides. The auxiliary additives, if used at all,preferably comprise not more than 25 wt.-%, more preferably not morethan 15 wt.-%, even more preferably not more than 10 wt.-%, mostpreferably not more than 5 wt.-%, of the total weight of the adhesivesealant composition.

According to one or more embodiments, the adhesive layer is composed ofa pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) composition, preferably of ahot-melt pressure sensitive adhesive (HM-PSA) composition. The term“pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA)” refers in the present disclosure toviscoelastic materials, which adhere immediately to almost any kind ofsubstrates by application of light pressure and which are permanentlytacky. The term “hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesive” designates in thepresent disclosure pressure sensitive adhesives that can be applied as amelt.

Suitable pressure sensitive adhesive compositions and hot-melt pressuresensitive adhesive compositions include adhesive compositions based onacrylic polymers, styrene block copolymers, amorphous polyolefins (APO),amorphous poly-alpha-olefins (APAO), vinyl ether polymers, bitumen, andelastomers such as, for example, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR),ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, butyl rubber,polyisoprene, polybutadiene, natural rubber, polychloroprene rubber,ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), nitrile rubber, acrylic rubber,ethylene vinyl acetate rubber, and silicone rubber. In addition to theabove mentioned polymers, suitable pressure sensitive adhesivecompositions typically comprise one or more additional componentsincluding, for example, tackifying resins, waxes, and plasticizers aswell as additives, for example, UV-light absorption agents, UV- and heatstabilizers, optical brighteners, pigments, dyes, and desiccants.

According to one or more embodiments, the adhesive layer is composed ofpressure sensitive adhesive composition comprising:

A) 5-65 wt.-% of at least one polymer component,

B) 10-80 wt.-% of at least one tackifying resin,

C) 0-60 wt.-% of at least one inert mineral filler,

D) 0-30 wt.-% of at least one plasticizer, all proportions being basedon the total weight of the pressure sensitive adhesive composition.

According to one or more embodiments, the at least one polymer componentis a styrene block copolymer. Suitable styrene block copolymers includeblock copolymers of the SXS type, in each of which S denotes anon-elastomer styrene (or polystyrene) block and X denotes anelastomeric α-olefin block, which may be polybutadiene, polyisoprene,polyisoprene-polybutadiene, completely or partially hydrogenatedpolyisoprene (poly ethylene-propylene), completely or partiallyhydrogenated polybutadiene (poly ethylene-butylene). The elastomericα-olefin block preferably has a glass transition temperature in therange from −55° C. to −35° C. The elastomeric α-olefin block may also bea chemically modified α-olefin block. Particularly suitable chemicallymodified α-olefin blocks include, for example, maleic acid-graftedα-olefin blocks and particularly maleic acid-grafted ethylene-butyleneblocks.

Preferably, the at least one styrene block copolymer is selected fromthe group consisting of SBS, SIS, SIBS, SEBS, and SEPS block copolymers.These can have a linear, radial, diblock, triblock, or star structure,the linear structure being preferred. Suitable styrene block copolymersof the SXS type include block copolymers based on saturated orunsaturated middle blocks X. Hydrogenated styrene block copolymers arealso suitable.

According to one or more further embodiments, the at least one polymercomponent is an elastomer, preferably selected from the group consistingof styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer(EPDM) rubber, butyl rubber, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, naturalrubber, polychloroprene rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), nitrilerubber, acrylic rubber, and ethylene vinyl acetate rubber.

According to one or more embodiments, the at least one polymer componentis present in the pressure sensitive adhesive composition in an amountof 5-60 wt.-%, preferably 10-55 wt.-%, more preferably 15-55 wt.-%, mostpreferably 20-50 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the pressuresensitive adhesive composition.

The term “tackifying resin” designates in the present document resinsthat in general enhance the adhesion and/or tackiness of an adhesivecomposition. The term “tackiness” designates in the present document theproperty of a substance of being sticky or adhesive by simple contact.The tackiness can be measured, for example, as a loop tack. Preferredtackifying resins are tackifying at a temperature of 25° C. According toone or more embodiments, the at least one tackifying resin is present inthe pressure sensitive adhesive composition in an amount of 10-75 wt.-%,preferably 15-70 wt.-%, more preferably 20-65 wt.-%, most preferably25-60 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the pressure sensitiveadhesive composition.

The at least one tackifying resin is preferably selected from the groupconsisting of natural resins, chemically modified natural resins, andhydrocarbon petroleum resins. According to one or more embodiments, theat least one tackifying resin has an average molecular weight (M_(n)) of250-5,000 g/mol, preferably 250-3,500 g/mol and/or a glass transitiontemperature (T_(g)) of above 0° C., preferably equal to or higher than15° C. and/or a softening point measured by Ring and Ball methodaccording to DIN EN 1238 standard of 65-200° C., preferably 75-160° C.,more preferably 85-140° C.

According to one or more embodiments, the at least one inert mineralfiller is present in the pressure sensitive adhesive composition on anamount of 5-60 wt.-%, preferably 10-55 wt.-%, more preferably 10-50wt.-%, even more preferably 15-45 wt.-%, based on the total weight ofthe pressure sensitive adhesive composition.

The at least one inert mineral filler is preferably selected from thegroup consisting of sand, granite, calcium carbonate, clay, expandedclay, diatomaceous earth, pumice, mica, kaolin, talc, dolomite,xonotlite, perlite, vermiculite, Wollastonite, barite, magnesiumcarbonate, calcium hydroxide, calcium aluminates, silica, fumed silica,fused silica, aerogels, glass beads, hollow glass spheres, ceramicspheres, bauxite, comminuted concrete, and zeolites.

According to one or more further embodiments, the pressure sensitiveadhesive composition is a bituminous pressure sensitive adhesivecomposition. Bituminous pressure sensitive adhesive compositions arewell known to a person skilled in the art. These types of adhesivestypically comprise polymer modified bitumen as the main component andvarious additives such as processing oils and fillers. Suitableprocessing oils include, for example, mineral oils, synthetic oils, andparaffins. The term “mineral oil” refers to any hydrocarbon liquid oflubricating viscosity (i.e. having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of 1cSt or more) derived from petroleum crude oil and subjected to one ormore refining and/or hydroprocessing steps, such as fractionation,hydrocracking, dewaxing, isomerization, and hydrofinishing, to purifyand chemically modify the components to achieve a final set ofproperties. Mineral oils can be characterized as either “paraffinic”,“naphthenic”, or “aromatic” based on the relative content of paraffinic,naphthenic, and aromatic moieties therein. Bituminous pressure sensitiveadhesives can be prepared by melting bitumen and mixing the otherconstituents into the thus obtained molten bitumen mass.

The bitumen component contained in the bituminous pressure sensitiveadhesive composition is typically modified with one or more polymers inorder to improve the mechanical properties of the adhesive composition.Typical polymers used in bituminous pressure sensitive adhesivecompositions include, for example, atactic polypropylenes (APP),amorphous polyolefins (APO), styrene block copolymers, in particularSIS, SBS, and SEBS block copolymers as well as rubbers, for example,styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)rubber, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, natural rubber, polychloroprenerubber, ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), nitrile rubbers, and acrylicrubbers. The term “amorphous polyolefin” refers to a polyolefin having adegree of crystallinity of less than 30% measured by differentialscanning calorimetry (DSC) conducted according to the method as definedin ISO 11357 standard. Suitable amorphous polyolefins (APO) include, forexample, homopolymers of propylene and copolymers of propylene with oneor more α-olefin comonomer, such as, for example, ethylene, 1-butene,1-hexene, 1-octene and 1-decene.

According to one or more embodiments, the bituminous pressure sensitiveadhesive composition comprises 15-95 wt.-%, preferably 25-90 wt.-%, morepreferably 35-85 wt.-% of bitumen and 5-35 wt.-%, preferably 10-30wt.-%, more preferably 10-25 wt.-% of at least one polymer selected fromthe group consisting of atactic polypropylenes (APP), amorphouspolyolefins (APO), styrene block copolymers, styrene-butadiene rubber(SBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, polyisoprene,polybutadiene, natural rubber, polychloroprene rubber,ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), nitrile rubbers, and acrylic rubbersand 0-40 wt.-%, preferably 0-35 wt.-% of at least one processing oil,preferably at least one mineral oil, all proportions being based on thetotal weight of the bituminous pressure sensitive adhesive composition.The pressure sensitive bituminous adhesive composition may furthercomprise not more than 60 wt.-%, preferably not more than 55 wt.-%, morepreferably not more than 45 wt.-%, based on the total weight of thebituminous pressure sensitive adhesive composition, of at least oneinert mineral filler, preferably selected from the group consisting ofsilica, calcium carbonate, talc, or clay.

According to one or more further embodiments, the pressure sensitiveadhesive composition is an acrylic-based pressure sensitive adhesivecomposition comprising at least one acrylate polymer.

Suitable acrylate polymers include homopolymers, copolymers and higherinter-polymers of acrylic monomers optionally with one or more otherethylenically unsaturated monomers. Preferably, the acrylate polymer hasbeen prepared by using a monomer mixture comprising at least 65 wt.-%,more preferably 75 wt.-%, most preferably 85 wt.-%, based on the totalweight of the monomer mixture, of acrylic monomers of the followingformula (I);

where R₁ is a hydrogen or a methyl group and R₂ is a hydrogen or analkyl group having from 2 to 30, preferably from 2 to 9, carbon atoms.The alkyl groups are preferably selected from the group consisting ofbranched, unbranched, cyclic, acyclic, and saturated alkyl groups.

It may be preferable that the acrylate polymer is obtained by radicalpolymerization of a mixture comprising at least 65 wt.-%, morepreferably 75 wt.-%, most preferably 85 wt.-%, based on the total weightof the mixture, of one or more acrylic monomers of the formula (I).

Examples of especially suitable acrylic monomers include, for example,methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate,n-butyl methacrylate, n-pentyl acrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, n-heptylacrylate, n-octyl acrylate, n-octyl methacrylate, n-nonyl acrylate,lauryl acrylate, stearyl acrylate, behenyl acrylate, and their branchedisomers, as for example isobutyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate,2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, isooctyl acrylate, isooctyl methacrylate, andalso cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl acrylate, isobornyl methacrylateor 3,5-dimethyladamantyl acrylate.

It may be preferable that the mixture from which the at least oneacrylate polymer is prepared further comprises up to 15 wt.-%,preferably at least 35 wt.-%, of comonomers in the form of vinylcompounds, preferably one or more vinyl compounds selected from thegroup consisting of vinyl esters, vinyl halides, vinylidene halides,ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbons with functional groups, andnitriles of ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbons. Acrylic compoundscontaining functional groups, for example, hydroxyl groups andhydroxyalkyl groups are also embraced by the term “vinyl compound”.Suitable vinyl compounds include, for example, maleic anhydride,styrene, styrenic compounds, (meth)acrylamides, N-substituted(meth)acrylamides, acrylic acid, beta-acryloyloxypropionic acid,vinylacetic acid, fumaric acid, crotonic acid, aconitic acid,dimethylacrylic acid, trichloroacrylic acid, itaconic acid, vinylacetate, hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate, amino-group-containing(meth)acrylates, and hydroxyl group-containing (meth)acrylates.

According to one or more further embodiments, the at least one acrylatepolymer has been prepared by using a reactant mixture comprising:

a) at least 65 wt.-%, preferably at least 75 wt.-%, of one or moreacrylic monomers of the formula (I) where R₁ is a hydrogen or a methylgroup and R2 is an alkyl group having from 2 to 9, carbon atoms, and

b) 0-20 wt.-%, preferably 2.5-15 wt.-%, of at least one vinyl compoundselected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic acid,beta-acryloyloxypropionic acid, vinylacetic acid, fumaric acid, crotonicacid, aconitic acid, dimethylacrylic acid, trichloroacrylic acid,itaconic acid, vinyl acetate, and hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylates.

It may be preferable that the at least one acrylate polymer has anaverage molecular weight (M_(n)) in the range of 50,000-1,000,000 g/mol,more preferably 100,000-750,000 g/mol, even more preferably150,000-500,000 g/mol. Preferably, the at least one acrylate polymer hasa glass transition temperature (T_(g)) determined by dynamicalmechanical analysis (DMA) using an applied frequency of 1 Hz and astrain level of 0.1%, of below 0° C., more preferably below −10° C.,even more preferably below −20° C.

According to one or more embodiments, the at least one acrylate polymeris present in the acrylic-based pressure sensitive adhesive compositionin an amount of at least 65 wt.-%, preferably at least 70 wt.-%, morepreferably at least 75 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 85 wt.-%,based on the total weight of the acrylic-based pressure sensitiveadhesive composition. In addition to the at least one acrylate polymer,the acrylic-based pressure sensitive adhesive composition may furthercomprise tackifying resins, waxes, and plasticizers as wells asadditives, for example, UV-light absorption agents, UV- and heatstabilizers, optical brighteners, pigments, dyes, and desiccants.Preferably, the amount such auxiliary components is not more than 20wt.-%, more preferably not more than 15 wt.-%, even more preferably notmore than 10 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the acrylic-basedpressure sensitive adhesive composition.

According to one or more further embodiments, the pressure sensitiveadhesive composition is at least partially crosslinked acrylic-basedpressure sensitive adhesive composition. These types of adhesives havebeen found out to be suitable for use in the sealing device of thepresent invention since they have a broader operating window in terms ofminimum and maximum application temperature. In particular, suchadhesives have been found out to maintain their adhesive strength athigher temperatures compared to non-crosslinked acrylic-based pressuresensitive adhesives. In addition, the acrylic-based crosslinked pressuresensitive adhesive compositions have been found out to allow adjustmentsin the formulation to achieve greater tackiness even at lowtemperatures.

It may be preferable that the pressure sensitive adhesive composition isan at least partially crosslinked composition of:

a′) At least 65.0 wt.-%, preferably at least 85.0 wt.-%, of the at leastacrylate polymer,

b′) 0.01-5.0 wt.-%, preferably 0.1-1.0 wt.-%, of at least one curingagent,

c′) 0.1-5.0 wt.-%, preferably 0.25-2.5 wt.-%, of at least one initiator,and

d′) 0-30.0 wt.-%, preferably 5.0-20.0 wt.-%, of at least one tackifyingresin, all proportions being based on the total weight of thecomposition.

The at least one curing agent is preferably a multifunctional acrylateselected from the group consisting of butanediol dimethacrylate,ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, diethyleneglycol dimethacrylate,triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate,butanediol diacrylate, hexanediol diacrylate, trimethylolpropanetriacrylate, and tripropyleneglycol diacrylate, trimethylolpropaneethoxy triacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, tripropylene glycoldiacrylate, propylene glycol dimethacrylate, dipropylene glycoldiacrylate, dipentaerythritol hydroxy pentaacrylate, neopentyl glycolpropoxylate diacrylate, bisphenol A ethoxylate dimethacrylate,alkoxylated hexanediol diacrylate, ethoxylated bisphenol A diacrylate,ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate, ethoxylated trimethylolpropanetriacrylate, propoxylated neopentyl glycol diacrylate, propoxylatedglyceryl triacrylate, polybutadiene diacrylate, and polybutadienedimethacrylate.

According to one or more embodiments, the pressure sensitive adhesivecomposition is an acrylic-based pressure sensitive adhesive compositionthat has been at least partially crosslinked by use of UV-radiation. Inthese embodiments, the at least one initiator c′) contained in thecrosslinkable composition is a photo initiator. Suitable photoinitiatorsinclude, for example, benzoin ethers, dialkoxyacetophenones,alpha-hydroxycyclohexyl aryl ketones, alpha-ketophenylacetate esters,benzyldialkylketals, chloro- and alkylthioxanthones and alpha-amino- andalpha-hydroxyalkyl aryl ketones.

Preferably, the sealing device has a peel resistance from a metalsurface, measured by using the method as defined in EN DIN 1372standard, of at least 15 N/50 mm, more preferably at least 25 N/50 mm,even more preferably at least 35 N/50 mm.

Preferably, the waterproofing membrane comprises a waterproofing layerhaving first and second major surfaces. The composition of thewaterproofing layer is not particularly restricted. However, thewaterproofing layer should be as waterproof as possible and not todecompose or be mechanically damaged even under prolonged influence ofwater or moisture. According to one or more embodiments, thewaterproofing layer has an impact resistance measured according to EN12691: 2005 standard of at least 200 mm, preferably at least 300 mmand/or a longitudinal and a transversal tensile strength measured at atemperature of 23° C. according to DIN ISO 527-3 standard of at least 5MPa, preferably at least 7.5 MPa and/or a longitudinal and transversalelongation at break measured at a temperature of 23° C. according to DINISO 527-3 standard of at least 150%, preferably at least 250% and/or awater resistance measured according to EN 1928 B standard of 0.6 bar for24 hours and/or a maximum tear strength measured according to EN 12310-2standard of at least 50 N, preferably at least 100 N.

The waterproofing layer can be directly or indirectly connected to thesealant layer and to the adhesive layer. The waterproofing layer can beindirectly connected to the sealant and adhesive layers via a connectinglayer, such as a layer of fiber material. In case of a porous connectinglayer, such as an open weave fabric, waterproofing layer may bepartially directly and partially indirectly connected to each of thesealant and adhesive layers.

Preferably, the waterproofing layer comprises at least one thermoplasticpolymer, preferably selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-acrylic ester copolymers,ethylene-α-olefin copolymers, ethylene-propylene copolymers,propylene-α-olefin copolymers, propylene-ethylene copolymers,polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinylchloride (PVC),polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyamides (PA),chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE), ethylene propylene diene rubber(EPDM), and polyisobutylene (PIB). According to one or more furtherembodiments, the at least one thermoplastic polymer is selected from thegroup consisting of low-density polyethylene, linear low-densitypolyethylene, high-density polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetatecopolymer (EVA), ethylene-acrylic ester copolymers, ethylene-α-olefincopolymers, and ethylene-propylene copolymers, propylene-α-olefincopolymers, propylene-ethylene copolymers, polypropylene (PP).

According to one or more embodiments, the at least one thermoplasticpolymer comprises at least one thermoplastic polyolefin. The expression“the at least one thermoplastic polymer comprises at least onethermoplastic polyolefin” is understood to mean that the waterproofinglayer comprises one or more thermoplastic polyolefins asrepresentative(s) of the at least one thermoplastic polymer.

Thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO), which are also known as thermoplasticolefin elastomers (TPE-O), are heterophase polyolefin compositionscontaining a high crystallinity base polyolefin and a low-crystallinityor amorphous polyolefin modifier. The heterophasic phase morphologyconsists of a matrix phase composed primarily of the base polyolefin anda dispersed phase composed primarily of the polyolefin modifier.Commercially available TPOs include reactor blends of the basepolyolefin and the polyolefin modifier, also known as “in-situ TPOs” or“in-situ impact copolymers (ICP)”, as well as physical blends of theaforementioned components. In case of a reactor-blend type of TPO, thecomponents are produced in a single-step polymerization process or in asequential polymerization process, wherein the components of the matrixphase are produced in a first reactor and transferred to a secondreactor, where the components of the dispersed phase are produced andincorporated as domains in the matrix phase. A physical-blend type ofTPO is produced by melt-mixing the base polyolefin with the polyolefinmodifier each of which was separately formed prior to blending of thecomponents.

Reactor-blend type TPOs comprising polypropylene as the base polymer areoften referred to as “heterophasic propylene copolymers” whereasreactor-blend type TPOs comprising polypropylene random copolymer as thebase polymer are often referred to as “heterophasic propylene randomcopolymers”. Depending on the amount of the polyolefin modifier, thecommercially available heterophasic propylene copolymers are typicallycharacterized as polypropylene “in-situ impact copolymers (ICP)” or as“reactor-TPOs” or as “soft-TPOs”. The main difference between thesetypes of TPOs is that the amount of the polyolefin modifier is typicallylower in ICPs than in reactor-TPOs and soft-TPOs, such as not more than40 wt.-%, in particular not more than 35 wt.-%. Consequently, typicalICPs tend to have a lower xylene cold soluble (XCS) content determinedaccording to ISO 16152 2005 standard as well as higher flexural modulusdetermined according to ISO 178:2010 standard compared to reactor-TPOsand soft-TPOs.

Suitable TPOs are commercially available, for example, under the tradename Hifax®, Adflex® and Adsyl® (all from Lyondell Basell), such asHifax® CA 10A, Hifax® CA 12A, and Hifax® CA 212 A and under the tradename of Borsoft® (from Borealis Polymers), such as Borsoft® SD233 CF.

The at least one thermoplastic polymer is preferably present in thewaterproofing layer in an amount of at least 15 wt.-%, more preferablyat least 25 wt.-%, most preferably at least 35 wt.-%, based on the totalweight of the waterproofing layer. According to one or more embodiments,the at least one thermoplastic polymer is present in the waterproofinglayer in an amount of at least 50 wt.-%, preferably at least 60 wt.-%,more preferably at least 70 wt.-%, most preferably at least 85 wt.-%,based on the total weight of the waterproofing layer.

The waterproofing layer can comprise, in addition to the at least onethermoplastic polymer, auxiliary components, for example, UV- and heatstabilizers, antioxidants, plasticizers, flame retardants, fillers,dyes, pigments such as titanium dioxide and carbon black, mattingagents, antistatic agents, impact modifiers, biocides, and processingaids such as lubricants, slip agents, antiblock agents, and denest aids.The total amount of these auxiliary components is preferably not morethan 35 wt.-%, more preferably not more than 25 wt.-%, most preferablynot more than 15 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the waterproofinglayer.

The further details of the waterproofing membrane depend on whether thesealing element is intended to be used in waterproofing or roofingapplications. According to one or more embodiments, the waterproofingmembrane further comprises a top-coating covering at least portion ofthe first major surface of the waterproofing layer. In theseembodiments, the outer major surface of the top coating facing away fromthe first major surface of the waterproofing layer constitutes the firstprimary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane. The top-coatingmay comprise UV-absorbers and/or thermal stabilizers to protect thewaterproofing layer from damaging influence of sunlight. The top-coatingmay also comprise color pigments in order to provide the waterproofinglayer with a desired color.

The thickness of the waterproofing layer also depends on the intendeduse of the sealing device. According to one or more embodiments, thewaterproofing layer has a thickness, determined by using the measurementmethod as defined in DIN EN 1849-2 standard, of 0.1-5.0 mm, preferably0.25-2.5 mm, even more preferably 0.35-2.0 mm, most preferably 0.5-1.5mm.

According to one or more embodiments, the waterproofing membrane furthercomprises a layer of fiber material covering at least a portion of thesecond major surface of the waterproofing layer. The layer of fibermaterial may be used to ensure the mechanical stability of thewaterproofing layer, when the sealing device is exposed to varyingenvironmental conditions, in particular to large temperaturefluctuations. In these embodiments, the outer major surface of the layerof fiber material facing away from the second major surface of thewaterproofing layer constitutes the second primary exterior surface ofthe waterproofing membrane.

The term “fiber material” designates in the present document materialscomposed of fibers comprising or consisting of, for example, organic,inorganic or synthetic organic materials. Examples of organic fibersinclude, for example, cellulose fibers, cotton fibers, and proteinfibers. Particularly suitable synthetic organic materials include, forexample, polyester, homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene and/orpropylene, viscose, nylon, and polyamides. Fiber materials composed ofinorganic fibers are also suitable, in particular, those composed ofmetal fibers or mineral fibers, such as glass fibers, aramid fibers,wollastonite fibers, and carbon fibers. Inorganic fibers, which havebeen surface treated, for example, with silanes, may also be suitable.The fiber material can comprise short fibers, long fibers, spun fibers(yarns), or filaments. The fibers can be aligned or drawn fibers. It mayalso be advantageous that the fiber material is composed of differenttypes of fibers, both in terms of geometry and composition.

Preferably, the layer of fiber material is selected from the groupconsisting of non-woven fabrics, woven fabrics, and non-woven scrims.According to one or more embodiments, the layer of fiber material is anon-woven fabric or a non-woven scrim. The term “non-woven fabric”designates in the present document materials composed of fibers, whichare bonded together by using chemical, mechanical, or thermal bondingmeans, and which are neither woven nor knitted. Non-woven fabrics can beproduced, for example, by using a carding or needle punching process, inwhich the fibers are mechanically entangled to obtain the nonwovenfabric. In chemical bonding, chemical binders such as adhesive materialsare used to hold the fibers together in a non-woven fabric.

The term “non-woven scrim” designates in the present document web-likenon-woven products composed of yarns, which lay on top of each other andare chemically bonded to each other. Typical materials for non-wovenscrims include metals, fiberglass, and plastics, in particularpolyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate(PET).

According to one or more embodiments, the layer of fiber material is anon-woven fabric, preferably a non-woven fabric having a mass per unitarea of more than 500 g/m², preferably not more than 400 g/m². Inparticular, the layer of fiber material may be a non-woven fabric havinga mass per unit area of 15-500 g/m2, preferably 20-400 g/m2, morepreferably 20-350 g/m2, most preferably 25-300 g/m2.

According to one or more further embodiments, the layer of fibermaterial is a non-woven fabric having a mass per unit area of not morethan 200 g/m², preferably not more than 150 g/m², in particular of15-200 g/m², preferably 20-150 g/m², more preferably 25-125 g/m², evenmore preferably 30-100 g/m², most preferably 30-75 g/m². Such non-wovenfabrics have been found out to enable the sealant and adhesive layers topartially penetrate the layer of fiber material and to form an adhesivebond with the waterproofing layer.

Preferably, the non-woven fabric comprises synthetic organic and/orinorganic fibers. Particularly suitable synthetic organic fibers for thenon-woven fabric include, for example, polyester fibers, polypropylenefibers, polyethylene fibers, nylon fibers, and polyamide fibers.Particularly suitable inorganic fibers for the non-woven fabric include,for example, glass fibers, aramid fibers, wollastonite fibers, andcarbon fibers.

According to one or more embodiments, the non-woven fabric has as themain fiber component synthetic organic fibers, preferably selected fromthe group consisting of polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers,polyethylene fibers, nylon fibers, and polyamide fibers. According toone or more further embodiments, the non-woven fabric has as the mainfiber component inorganic fibers, preferably selected from the groupconsisting of glass fibers, aramid fibers, wollastonite fibers, andcarbon fibers, more preferably glass fibers.

The layer of fiber material and the waterproofing layer can be directlyor indirectly connected to each other over at least part of theiropposing surfaces. The layer of fiber material may, for example, beadhesively adhered or thermally bonded to the second major surface ofthe waterproofing layer. According to one or more embodiments, the layerof fiber material is partially embedded into the waterproofing layer.The expression “partially embedded” is understood to mean that a portionof the fibers of the layer of fiber material are embedded into thewaterproofing layer, i.e. covered by the matrix of the waterproofinglayer.

It may be preferable that the layer of fiber material covers at least50%, more preferably at least 65%, most preferably at least 75% of thesecond major surface of the waterproofing layer. According to one ormore embodiments, the layer of fiber material covers substantially theentire area of the second major surface of the waterproofing layer.Furthermore, it may be preferable, for example due to productiontechnical reasons, that narrow segments near the longitudinal edges ofthe waterproofing layer and having a width of 1-2 mm are not coveredwith the layer of fiber material.

The waterproofing layer may further comprise a reinforcement layer,which is fully embedded into the waterproofing layer. The type of thereinforcement layer, if used, is not particularly restricted. Forexample, the reinforcement layers commonly used for improving thedimensional stability of thermoplastic roofing membranes can be used.Preferable reinforcement layers include non-woven fabrics, wovenfabrics, and non-woven scrims, and combinations thereof. It may,however, be also possible or even preferred that the waterproofing layerdoes not contain any reinforcement layers, which are fully embedded intothe waterproofing layer.

The waterproofing membrane may be a single- or a multi-ply membrane. Theterm “single-ply membrane” designates in the present document membranescomprising exactly one waterproofing layer whereas the term “multi-plymembrane” designates membranes comprising more than one waterproofinglayers. The waterproofing layers of a multi-ply membrane may havesimilar or different compositions. Single- and multi-ply membranes areknown to a person skilled in the art and they may be produced by anyconventional means, such as by way of extrusion or co-extrusion,calendaring, or by spread coating.

According to one or more embodiments, the waterproofing membrane is asingle-ply membrane comprising exactly one waterproofing layer.According to one or more further embodiments, the waterproofing membraneis a single-ply membrane comprising exactly one a waterproofing layer,wherein the waterproofing layer is directly connected to the sealantlayer and to the adhesive layer. In these embodiments, the second majorsurface of the waterproofing layer constitutes the second primaryexterior surface of the waterproofing membrane. Waterproofing membranesused in these embodiments, wherein the second major surface of thewaterproofing layer is not covered with a layer of fiber material, arealso known as “bare-backed membranes”. Furthermore, the single-plymembrane may comprise a top-coating covering at least part of the firstmajor surface of the first waterproofing layer.

According to one or more further embodiments, the sealing device is amulti-ply membrane comprising a first and a second waterproofing layerhaving first and second major surfaces, wherein the second waterproofinglayer is directly connected to the sealant layer and to the adhesivelayer. In these embodiments, the second major surface of the secondwaterproofing layer constitutes the second primary exterior surface ofthe waterproofing membrane. The preferences given above for thewaterproofing layer apply also to the first and second waterproofinglayers of the multi-ply membrane. The first and second waterproofinglayers are preferably directly bonded to each other over at least partof their opposing major surfaces, i.e. at least part of the second majorsurface of the first waterproofing layer is directly bonded to at leastpart of the first major surface of the second waterproofing layer. Thecomposition of first and second waterproofing layers may be same ordifferent. Furthermore, the multi-ply membrane may comprise atop-coating covering at least part of the first major surface of thefirst waterproofing layer.

The thickness of the waterproofing membrane depends on the intended useof the sealing device and whether the waterproofing membrane is asingle-ply or a multi-ply membrane. According to one or moreembodiments, the waterproofing membrane has a thickness, determined byusing the measurement method as defined in DIN EN 1849-2 standard, of0.25-7.5 mm, preferably 0.35-5.0 mm, more preferably 0.5-3.5 mm, mostpreferably 0.5-2.5 mm.

The sealing device is typically provided in a form of a prefabricatedmembrane article, which is delivered to the construction site andunwound from rolls to provide sheets having a width of 1-5 m and lengthof several times the width. However, the sealing device can also be usedin the form of strips having a width of typically 1-20 cm, for exampleso as to seal joints between two adjacent membranes. Moreover, thesealing device can also be provided in the form of planar bodies, whichare used for repairing damaged locations in existing adheredwaterproofing or roofing systems.

The preferences given above for the waterproofing membrane, the sealantlayer, the adhesive layer, the waterproofing layer, the layer of fibermaterial, and to the release liner apply equally to all aspects of thepresent invention unless otherwise stated.

Another subject of the present invention is a method for producing asealing device of the present invention, the method comprising steps of:

i) Providing a waterproofing membrane having a first and a secondprimary exterior surface,

ii) Heating an adhesive sealant composition to allow the composition toflow,

iii) Applying the heated adhesive sealant composition on the secondprimary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane such that thesecond primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane ispartially covered by a sealant layer, and

iv) Applying an adhesive composition on the second primary exteriorsurface of the waterproofing membrane such that the second primaryexterior surface of the waterproofing membrane is partially covered withan adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive sealant composition comprises:

a) 1-40 wt.-% of at least one elastomer,

b) 10-60 wt.-% of at least one at 25° C. liquid polyolefin resin, and

c) 5-65 wt.-% of at least one inert mineral filler, all proportionsbeing based on the total weight of the adhesive sealant composition.

The heated adhesive sealant composition and adhesive composition may beapplied to the second primary exterior surface of the waterproofingmembrane using any conventional techniques such as slot die coating,extrusion coating, roller coating, direct gravure coating, offsetgravure coating, reverse gravure roll coating, powder dispersion, orspray lamination techniques. The temperature to which the adhesivesealant composition is heated in in step ii) depends on the embodimentof the sealing device. It may be preferred that the adhesive sealantcomposition is heated to a temperature in the range of 60-250° C., suchas 70-225° C., in particular 80-200° C.

According to one or more embodiments, the steps iii) and iv) areconducted in such a way that the second primary exterior surface of thewaterproofing membrane comprises at least three, preferably at leastfive longitudinally extending segments, wherein at least one saidsegments is covered with the sealant layer and at least one saidsegments is covered with the adhesive layer.

According to one or more embodiments, the adhesive composition is ahot-melt pressure sensitive adhesive composition and the methodcomprises steps of:

i) Providing a waterproofing membrane having a first and second primaryexterior surfaces,

ii) Heating an adhesive sealant composition and an adhesive compositionto allow the compositions to flow, and

iii) Applying the heated adhesive sealant composition on the secondprimary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane such that thesecond primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane ispartially covered by a sealant layer, and

iv) Applying the heated adhesive composition on the second primaryexterior surface of the waterproofing membrane such that the secondprimary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane is partiallycovered with an adhesive layer.

It may be preferred that the adhesive composition is heated to atemperature in the range of 60-250° C., such as 70-225° C., inparticular 80-200° C.

According to one or more embodiments, the adhesive composition is anacrylic-based UV-curable pressure sensitive adhesive composition,preferably an acrylic-based UV-curable hot-melt pressure sensitiveadhesive composition and the method comprises steps of:

i) Providing a waterproofing membrane having a first and second primaryexterior surfaces,

ii) Heating an adhesive sealant composition and an adhesive compositionto allow the compositions to flow, and

iii) Applying the heated adhesive sealant composition on the secondprimary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane such that thesecond primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane ispartially covered by a sealant layer, and

iv) Applying the heated adhesive composition on the second primaryexterior surface of the waterproofing membrane such that the secondprimary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane is partiallycovered with an adhesive layer, and

v) Subjecting adhesive layer to UV-radiation to effect crosslinking ofthe adhesive composition.

According to one or more embodiments, the adhesive layer is subjected inthe UV curing step v) of the method to a UV dosage in the range of30-500 mJ/cm², preferably of 35-400 mJ/cm², more preferably 40-350mJ/cm², still more preferably 45-300 mJ/cm². According to one or moreembodiments, the adhesive layer is subjected in the UV curing step v) ofthe method to a UV intensity of at least 150 mW/cm², preferably at least250 mW/cm², more preferably at least 350 mW/cm², such as in the range of150-750 mW/cm², preferably 200-650 mW/cm², more preferably 250-550mW/cm². According to one or more embodiments, the energy supplied to theadhesive layer in the UV curing step v) of the method is in the form ofUV-C electromagnetic radiation having a wave length of from about 100 toabout 280 nm, preferably 150-270 nm, more preferably 200-260 nm.

The waterproofing membrane can be produced by using any conventionalmeans, such as by way of extrusion or co-extrusion, calendaring, or byspread coating. The further details of the method for producing thesealing device depend on the embodiment of the sealing device, inparticular whether the waterproofing membrane is a single-ply ormulti-ply membrane or a single-ply fiber layer-backed membrane.

According to one or more embodiments, the waterproofing membrane is asingle-ply membrane comprising exactly one waterproofing layer and stepi) of the method for producing a sealing device comprises steps of:

i′) Extruding a composition of the waterproofing layer though anextruder die and

ii′) Optionally employing spaced apart calender cooling rolls throughwhich the extruded shaped article obtained in step i′) is drawn.

In the extrusion step i′), a thermoplastic composition comprising theconstituents of the waterproofing layer is first melt-processed in anextruder to produce a homogenized melt, which is then extruded throughthe extruder die. Suitable extrusion apparatuses comprising at least oneextruder and an extruder die are well known to a person skilled in theart. Any conventional extruders, for example, a ram extruder, singlescrew extruder, or a twin-screw extruder may be used. Preferably, theextruder is a screw extruder, more preferably a twin-screw extruder.

According to one or more embodiments, the waterproofing membrane is afiber layer-backed single-ply membrane and the step i) of the method forproducing a sealing device comprises steps of:

i′) Providing a layer of fiber material having a first and a secondmajor surface,

ii′) Extruding a composition of the waterproofing layer though anextruder die onto the first major surface of the layer of fiber materialto form a fiber layer-backed waterproofing layer,

ii′) Optionally employing spaced apart calender cooling rolls throughwhich the fiber layer-backed waterproofing layer obtained in step ii′)is drawn,

In these embodiments, the outer major surface of the layer of fibermaterial facing away from the waterproofing layer constitutes the secondprimary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane onto which theadhesive sealant and adhesive compositions are applied in step iii) ofthe method.

The adhesive sealant composition, the adhesive composition, thewaterproofing layer, and the layer of fiber material have theirpreferred embodiments as discussed above related to the sealing deviceof the present invention.

Another subject of the present invention is a method for waterproofing asubstrate, the method comprising steps of:

I) Providing one or more sealing devices according to the presentinvention,

II) Applying the sealing device(s) on a surface of the substrate to bewaterproofed such that at least portion of the outer major surface ofthe sealant layer and at least portion of the outer major surface of theadhesive layer are directly contacted with the surface of the substrate,

III) Pressing sealing devices against the surface of the substrate witha pressure sufficient to affect adhesive bonding between the sealingdevice(s) and the substrate.

According to one or more embodiments, the method for waterproofing asubstrate comprises steps of:

I′) Providing at least two sealing devices according to the presentinvention,

II′) Applying the sealing devices on the surface of the substrate to bewaterproofed such that at least a portion of the outer major surface ofthe sealant layer and at least a portion of the outer major surface ofthe adhesive layer are directly contacted with the surface of thesubstrate and such that the edges of adjacent sealing devices areoverlapped to form lapped joints, and

III′) Pressing the sealing devices against the surface of the substratewith a pressure sufficient to affect adhesive bonding between thesealing devices and the substrate and between the edges of adjacentsealing devices.

Still another subject of the present invention is a waterproofedsubstrate comprising a substrate (11) and sealing device (1) accordingto the present invention, wherein at least a portion of the secondprimary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane (2) is bonded toa surface of the substrate (11) via the sealant layer (3) and/or via theadhesive layer (4).

The substrate can be any structural or civil engineering structure,which is to be sealed against moisture and water, such as a hardenedconcrete structure, insulation board, a cover board, or an existingwaterproofing or roofing membrane.

According to one or more embodiments at least 50%, preferably at least75%, more preferably at least 85%, even more preferably at least 95%,most preferably at least 99% of the second primary exterior surface ofthe waterproofing membrane is bonded to the surface of the substrate viathe sealant layer and/or via the adhesive layer. According to one ormore embodiments, substantially the entire area of the second primaryexterior surface of the waterproofing membrane is bonded to the surfaceof the substrate via the sealant layer and/or via the adhesive layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a sealing device (1) comprising awaterproofing membrane (2) having first and second primary exteriorsurfaces and a width (w) defined between opposite longitudinallyextending edges (e1, e2), a sealant layer (3) and an adhesive layercovering portions of the second primary exterior surface of thewaterproofing membrane (2). The second primary exterior surface of thewaterproofing layer (2) comprises three continuous, longitudinallyextending segments (5, 6, 7) each of which is covered either with thesealant layer (3) or with the adhesive (4). The segments (5, 6, 7) areparallel and adjacent to each other and the sealant layer (3) and theadhesive layer (4) together cover substantially the entire area of thesecond primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane (2).

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a sealing device (1) comprising awaterproofing membrane (2) having first and second primary exteriorsurfaces and a width (w) defined between opposite longitudinallyextending edges (e1, e2), wherein the second primary exterior surface ofthe waterproofing membrane (2) comprises five continuous, longitudinallyextending segments (3, 3′, 4, 4′, 5) each of which is covered eitherwith the sealant layer (3) or with the adhesive (4). Also in thisembodiment, the segments (5, 5′, 6, 6′, 7) are parallel and adjacent toeach other and the sealant layer (3) and the adhesive layer (4) togethercover substantially the entire area of the second primary exteriorsurface of the waterproofing membrane (2).

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a sealing device (1), wherein the secondprimary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane (2) comprisesthree continuous, longitudinally extending segments (not shown), whichare covered with the sealant layer (3) and two continuous,longitudinally extending segments, which are covered with adhesive layer(4). The sealant layer (3) and the adhesive layer (4) together coversubstantially the entire area of the second primary exterior surface ofthe waterproofing membrane (2). Furthermore, the second primary exteriorsurface of the waterproofing membrane (2) is directly connected to thesealant and adhesive layers (3, 4).

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a sealing device (1) according to afurther embodiment of the sealing device of FIG. 3. In this embodiment,the sealing device (1) further comprises a release liner (8) coveringsubstantially the entire area of the outer major surface of the sealantlayer (3) and substantially the entire area of the outer major surfaceof the adhesive layer (4). The release liner is typically used toprevent premature unwanted adhesion and to protect the sealant andadhesive layers (3, 4) from moisture, fouling, and other environmentalfactors.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of a sealing device (1) according to afurther embodiment of the sealing device of FIG. 4. In this embodiment,the waterproofing membrane (2) is composed of a waterproofing layer (9)having first and second major surfaces and a layer of fiber material(10) covering substantially the entire area of the second major surfaceof the waterproofing layer (2). In this embodiment, the outer majorsurface of the layer of fiber material (10) facing away from thewaterproofing layer (9) constitutes the second primary exterior surfaceof the waterproofing membrane (2). The layer of fiber material (10) may,for example, be adhesively adhered or thermally bonded to the secondmajor surface of the waterproofing layer (9).

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of a waterproofed substrate comprising asubstrate (11) and sealing device (1) of FIG. 5, wherein substantiallythe entire area of the second primary exterior surface of thewaterproofing membrane (2) is bonded to a surface of the substrate viathe sealant layer (3) or via the adhesive layer (4). The substrate canbe any structural or civil engineering structure, which is to be sealedagainst moisture and water, such as a hardened concrete structure,insulation board, a cover board, or an existing waterproofing or roofingmembrane.

1. A sealing device comprising: i. a waterproofing membrane having afirst and second primary exterior surfaces and width defined betweenopposite longitudinally extending edges, ii. a sealant layer covering aportion of the second primary exterior surface of the waterproofingmembrane, and iii. an adhesive layer covering a portion of the secondprimary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane, wherein thesealant layer is composed of an adhesive sealant composition comprising:a) 1-40 wt.-% of at least one elastomer, b) 10-60 wt.-% of at least oneat 25° C. liquid polyolefin resin, and c) 5-65 wt.-% of at least oneinert mineral filler, all proportions being based on the total weight ofthe adhesive sealant composition.
 2. The sealing device according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one at 25° C. liquid polyolefin resin isselected from the group consisting of at 25° C. liquid polybutenes andat 25° C. liquid polyisobutylenes, having an average molecular weight ofnot more than 5,000 g/mol.
 3. The sealing device according to claim 1,wherein the adhesive sealant composition comprises less than 15 wt.-% ofwater-swellable mineral fillers, based on the total weight of theadhesive sealant composition.
 4. The sealing device according to claim1, wherein the second primary exterior surface of the waterproofingmembrane comprises at least three, longitudinally extending segments,wherein at least one of the segments is covered with the sealant layerand wherein at least one of the segments is covered with the adhesivelayer.
 5. The sealing device according to claim 4, wherein the segmentsare parallel to each other and/or wherein each segment segment iscovered either with the sealant layer or with the adhesive layer and/orwherein the segments are adjacent to each other.
 6. The sealing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the sealant layer and the adhesive layertogether cover at least 50% of the second primary exterior surface ofthe waterproofing membrane.
 7. The sealing device according to claim 4,wherein at least the first segment and the last segment limited by thelongitudinal edges of the waterproofing layer are covered with thesealant layer and/or wherein any two segments located on each side of asegment covered with the adhesive layer are covered with the sealantlayer.
 8. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the sealantlayer alone covers 15-75% of the second primary exterior surface of thewaterproofing membrane and/or the adhesive layer alone covers 15-75% ofthe second primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane. 9.The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the sealant layer has amaximum thickness, determined by using the measurement method as definedin DIN EN 1849-2 standard, of 0.1-5.0 mm and/or the adhesive layer has amaximum thickness, determined by using the measurement method as definedin DIN EN 1849-2 standard, of 0.1-5.0 mm.
 10. The sealing deviceaccording to claim 1 further comprising a release liner covering atleast a portion of the outer major surface of the sealant layer and atleast a portion of the outer major surface of the adhesive layer. 11.The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the at least oneelastomer is selected from the group consisting of ethylene-propylenerubber, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene dienerubber, natural rubber, chloroprene rubber, synthetic1,4-cis-polyisoprene, polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene copolymer,isoprene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, methylmethacrylate-butadiene copolymer, methyl methacrylate-isoprenecopolymer, acrylonitrile-isoprene copolymer, and acrylonitrile-butadienecopolymer and/or the at least one inert mineral filler is selected fromthe group consisting of sand, granite, calcium carbonate, clay, expandedclay, diatomaceous earth, pumice, mica, kaolin, talc, dolomite,xonotlite, perlite, vermiculite, Wollastonite, barite, magnesiumcarbonate, calcium hydroxide, calcium aluminates, silica, fumed silica,fused silica, aerogels, glass beads, hollow glass spheres, ceramicspheres, bauxite, comminuted concrete, and zeolites.
 12. The sealingdevice according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive sealant compositionfurther comprises at least one at 25° C. solid hydrocarbon resin, havinga softening point measured by Ring and Ball method according to DIN EN1238 in the range of 65-200° C. and/or a glass transition temperaturedetermined by differential scanning calorimetry method according to ISO11357 standard using a heating rate of 2° C./min of at or above 0° C.13. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive layeris composed of a pressure sensitive adhesive composition.
 14. Thesealing device according to claim 1, wherein the waterproofing membranecomprises a waterproofing layer having a first and a second majorsurface.
 15. The sealing device according to claim 14, wherein thewaterproofing layer has a thickness, determined by using the measurementmethod as defined in DIN EN 1849-2 standard, of 0.1-5.0 mm.
 16. A methodfor producing a sealing device according to claim 1, the methodcomprising: i) providing a waterproofing membrane having a first andsecond primary exterior surfaces, ii) heating an adhesive sealantcomposition and an adhesive composition to allow the compositions toflow, iii) applying the heated adhesive sealant composition on thesecond primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane such thatthe second primary exterior surface of the waterproofing membrane ispartially covered by a sealant layer, and iv) applying an adhesivecomposition on the second primary exterior surface of the waterproofingmembrane such that the second primary exterior surface of thewaterproofing membrane is partially covered with an adhesive layer,wherein the adhesive sealant composition comprises: a) 1-40 wt.-% of atleast one elastomer, b) 10-60 wt.-% of at least one at 25° C. liquidpolyolefin resin, and c) 5-65 wt.-% of at least one inert mineralfiller, all proportions being based on the total weight of the adhesivesealant composition.
 17. A method for waterproofing a substrate, themethod comprising steps of: I) providing one or more sealing devicesaccording to claim 1, II) applying the sealing device(s) on a surface ofthe substrate to be waterproofed such that at least portion of the outermajor surface of the sealant layer and at least portion of the outermajor surface of the adhesive layer are directly contacted with thesurface of the substrate, III) pressing sealing devices against thesurface of the substrate with a pressure sufficient to affect adhesivebonding between the sealing device(s) and the substrate.
 18. Awaterproofed substrate comprising a substrate and sealing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the second primaryexterior surface of the waterproofing membrane is bonded to a surface ofthe substrate via the sealant layer and/or via the adhesive layer.